Max Verstappen's 'Selfish' Edge Called Key Differentiator by Montoya

Max Verstappen's uncompromising selfishness on and off the track has been singled out as a key differentiator by former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya, who argues the four-time champion's refusal to socialize with rivals gives him a mental edge that others lack.

Montoya, a seven-time grand prix winner, made the claim on the Chequered Flag podcast with Damon Hill, directly linking Verstappen's mentality to his success—four drivers' titles, 71 wins, and 48 poles—despite occasional penalties like last year's clash with George Russell in Spain.

Why it matters:

In a paddock where many drivers play padel together and dine out, Verstappen's isolationist approach stands out. Montoya believes this mindset is a weapon that prevents distractions and sharpens competitive focus, a factor that could influence future title battles.

The details:

• Montoya was blunt: "You've got to be selfish. For me, it's shocking. You look at them, they all go play padel together and are really good friends. But that's why Max is good, because he doesn't play along."
• When asked about Verstappen's friendship with rookie Gabriel Bortoleto through sim racing, Montoya dismissed the idea that it would survive real competition: "So you're going to tell me when Max cuts Bortoleto, he's not going to dive bomb and put him in the wall? Come on!"
• The Colombian sees the same mentality in Kimi Antonelli, who won the Miami Grand Prix earlier this month—his third straight victory—giving him a 20-point lead over teammate George Russell.
• Montoya enjoyed Antonelli's ruthlessness and expects more in Canada: "If I'm Kimi, I'm going out for blood. Oh my God, if I'm going out for blood."
• He compared it to his own rivalry with Ralph Schumacher, saying beating him in Germany was "like taking that little knife and twisting it in there."

What's next:

The Canadian Grand Prix will test Antonelli's edge. Russell has historically excelled at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, but Montoya predicts the 19-year-old will use every psychological tool to assert dominance. If Antonelli delivers, Verstappen's 'selfish' blueprint may become the template for F1's next generation.